Seattle City Attorney (nonpartisan)

Seattle City Attorney (nonpartisan)

Thomas A. Carr (Incumbent)

RESPONSE RECEIVED: September 7

1. Why is historic preservation important?

It is important to preserve our heritage. We have lost too many historic structures, for example the original downtown library was replaced with a building that lasted less than 50 years. Of course, not everything needs to or should be preserved.

2. What should government’s role be in local, state, and national preservation issues, concerns, and opportunities?

I cannot take a position on issues on which I may be called to give legal advice.

3. What is your track record of supporting local historic preservation programs?

I am an attorney. I do not set or influence public policy on preservation issues.

4. Local government entities own many historic properties, both designated as well as eligible for designation as landmarks. What is your position on the stewardship of these properties? What amount of funding for maintenance and rehabilitation would you support for these properties?

I cannot take a position on issues on which I may be called to give legal advice. Government must generally balance priorities. In the tough budget times that we have endured, the executive has faced many difficult choices.

5. What policy changes would you support to strengthen protections for designated landmarks?

I am an attorney. I do not set or influence public policy on preservation issues.

6. What policy changes would you support to strengthen protections for buildings which have previously been surveyed and were determined to be eligible for a landmark designation?

I am an attorney. I do not set or influence public policy on preservation issues.

7. What policy changes would you support to strengthen protections for older buildings which have not yet been surveyed and have not been evaluated for eligibility for a landmark designation?

I am an attorney. I do not set or influence public policy on preservation issues.

 8. In communities across the nation, public funds have been used to survey the historic integrity of neighborhoods. In what ways would you support a comprehensive survey to identify, evaluate, and potentially designate properties as historic landmarks?

I am an attorney. I do not set or influence public policy on preservation issues.

9. Some community plans call for protection of architectural character and historic buildings with the establishment of conservation districts and design controls. What actions would you support to sustain community character?

I am an attorney. I do not set or influence public policy on preservation issues.

10. The Mayor has proposed height and density increases in the downtown area.  This proposal, combined with an improving economy, will increase pressure to demolish historic structures.  To address this concern, the proposal includes additional incentives for retaining historic structures.  Do you support these changes as proposed?  If not, why not? What other preservation incentives or controls do you think should be considered?

I am an attorney. I do not set or influence public policy on preservation issues.

11. Designated historic districts are already established in Seattle, including Pioneer Square, the International District, Columbia City, and Ballard. How would you support the allocation of additional city resources to continue architecturally sensitive development in these historic areas?

I am an attorney. I do not set or influence public policy on preservation issues.